Kerkorian ups stake in GM stock
DETROIT (AP) - Tracinda Corp., the investment firm run by billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian, said Wednesday it had boosted its stake in General Motors Corp. to 7.2 percent one day after GM unveiled a strategy aimed at reviving the world's largest automaker's profits.

GM to shut down plants, eliminate 25,000 jobs in bid to boost profits
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - General Motors Corp. plans to close plants and eliminate 25,000 manufacturing jobs in the United States by 2008 in an attempt to restore profitability at the world's largest automaker, its chairman said Tuesday as he fended off calls for his resignation.

Southwest Airlines consultant cites benefits of Wright repeal
DALLAS (AP) - A consultant hired by Southwest Airlines Co. says allowing long-haul flights from Dallas Love Field would save travelers nearly $700 million in lower fares while boosting traffic to and from North Texas and helping the local economy.

Consumers increase debt at slower pace in April
WASHINGTON (AP) - Americans increased their borrowing for auto loans and other types of consumer debt at an annual rate of 0.7 percent in April, the slowest increase in five months, the government said Tuesday.

TCHS, LCHS earn TAPPS honors
Two coaches and two players from Trinity Christian and Lubbock Christian High received awards Friday at the annual TAPPS All-State All-Star banquet in San Antonio.

Michigan captures softball title
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Samantha Findlay powered Michigan to its first NCAA softball title, hitting a three-run homer in the 10th inning to give the Wolverines a 4-1 win over UCLA on Wednesday night.

Ex-Baylor basketball player pleads guilty to murder
WACO AP) - A former Baylor University basketball player pleaded guilty to murder Wednesday in the shooting death of a teammate in 2003, a slaying that sparked a huge scandal in the basketball program at the Baptist school.

More Tech players go in draft
The impact of the 2005 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft could be bigger than it was in 2004, when four of Texas Tech's five juniors and a couple of recruits elected to take the money of the pros rather than play in college.

Relocate Entrance To City Cemetery
VANCE SCOGGIN'S one-man mission to relocate the City of Lubbock Cemetery entrance to a more inviting, enduring and respectful location began under the most difficult of emotional circumstances.

No-Show Juror Rate Improving
A RECENT get-tough campaign on truant jurors is yielding positive results in both federal and state courts here.

Hollywood remakes cast minorities in once-white roles
NEW YORK - When Jackie Gleason was growing up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn in the 1930s, many of his neighbors resembled his family, Irish and working-class. Today, the residents remain mostly working-class, but almost all are black.

Bancroft remembered as a 'consummate actress'
NEW YORK (AP) - Despite a long list of memorable film and stage roles, Anne Bancroft was best remembered for her role as Mrs. Robinson in "The Graduate." It was a part she almost didn't take.

A-J seeks All-South Plains nominations
The Avalanche-Journal is accepting nominations for All-South Plains baseball teams in all classifications, as well as all-district teams including area schools.

Mustangs earn 5-2A honors
After winning the District 5-2A baseball championship, Shallowater took several spots on the league's all-district team. The Mustangs had four first-team selections, while senior first baseman Landry Odom and sophomore right fielder Wes Dipprey were named player of the year and newcomer of the year, respectively.

Carthage hurler stifles Bridge City
AUSTIN- Carthage's Clayton McMillan (12-1) frustrated Bridge City (35-7) with his high leg kick and a fastball that approached 90 mph as Carthage defeated Bridge City 5-2 on Wednesday.

Food in a Flash
So many cheeses, so little time. That's the good news for busy families facing dinnertime. More than 450 types, varieties and styles of cheese are available from Wisconsin to help you put a delicious meal on the table in minutes.

New procedures hold promise for people with atrial fibrillation
Since he was 19 years old, local tennis player and retired teacher Jimmy Burgess has lived with atrial fibrillation. Now, Burgess said he doesn't have to hold his heart when he hits the tennis courts, thanks to a new procedure that simplifies treatment of patients with abnormal heartbeat associated with the disease.

Road construction
North and south of Lubbock Wrecker Service, 3209 Slaton Highway - excavation, installation and backfill for storm sewer line and manhole construction, as part of South Lubbock Drainage Project.

Injured teen still hospitalized
A teenager remained hospitalized Tuesday with injuries she suffered after falling from the roof of a moving car two days earlier.

Correction
It was listed in the June 3 addition of the Around Town section that Charise Knudson's piece "Yellow Girl" was on display at the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center of the Arts. The piece is not on display at the center and was recently sold.

News briefs
Daisy Roxas, 33, of Lubbock remained in critical condition Tuesday at University Medical Center. She was burned in a fire May 24 in the 6500 block of Sixth Street.

Appraisal process in spotlight
With the first protest hearings beginning this morning by property owners seeking changes in their appraised values, the focus is once again on the methods used by the local appraisal district to find how much a home is worth.

Road construction
North and south of Lubbock Wrecker Service, 3209 Slaton Highway - excavation, installation and backfill for storm sewer line and manhole construction, as part of South Lubbock Drainage Project.

Appraisal protesters find going rough
Bill Angelley didn't know what to expect Wednesday when he arrived at the Lubbock Central Appraisal District to protest the appraised value of his home.

Fraud trial reveals details of P&G stock
Prosecutors continued their case against Tom Darden and Monte Hasie on Wednesday in U.S. District Judge Sam Cummings' court on charges of bank fraud, money laundering and making false statements to a bank.

City Council to consider new bond issuance
The City Council will discuss a new bond issuance Friday afternoon that may possibly save the city up to 3.3 percent on outstanding debts, based on current calculations.

Central American trade accord draws fire
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration took a beating Tuesday from farm-state senators angry about a pending trade agreement with Central America. A Republican who supports the deal said the administration hadn't done enough to show farmers how they would benefit.

Man with chain saw, sword allowed to cross U.S. border
BOSTON (AP) - On April 25, Gregory Despres arrived at the U.S.-Canadian border crossing at Calais, Maine, carrying a homemade sword, a hatchet, a knife, brass knuckles and a chain saw stained with what appeared to be blood. U.S. customs agents confiscated the weapons and fingerprinted Despres.

Jackson fans face end of reunion
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (AP) - They come from down the road and overseas. They dance to Michael Jackson's songs, write their own lyrics proclaiming his innocence, date each other, even lose their jobs for the cause.

Today in history
Today is Wednesday, June 8, the 159th day of 2005. There are 206 days left in the year.

Actress Anne Bancroft dies of cancer at age 73
NEW YORK (AP) - Anne Bancroft, who won the 1962 best actress Oscar as the teacher of a young Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker" but achieved greater fame as the seductive Mrs. Robinson in "The Graduate," has died. She was 73.

Today in history
Today is Thursday, June 9, the 160th day of 2005. There are 205 days left in the year.

C.D. Smith
Services for C.D. Smith, 77, of Lubbock were held 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2005, at Church on the Rock with Pastor Randy Hamilton officiating. urial, with full military honors, followed at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Agap Funeral Chapel.

Cruz Rodriguez
Services for Cruz Rodriguez, 90, of Lubbock will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 10, 2005, at Guajardo Funeral Chapels with the Rev. Benny Sanchez officiating. Burial will be at Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park under the direction of Guajardo Funeral Chapels.

Trudie Henry
Services for Trudie Opal Henry, 87, of Lubbock will be 2 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2005, at Sanders Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Ross Spencer officiating. Burial will follow at the City of Lubbock Cemetery under the direction of Sanders Funeral Home.

Jerry Mervin Green
Memorial services for Jerry Mervin Green, 66, of Roaring Springs will be 2 p.m. today, 8 June 2005, at the Roaring Springs Community Volunteer Center. Interment will be prior to the service at 11 a.m. at the Roaring Springs Cemetery with Dr. Clint Burns and the Rev. Fredia Burns officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Seigler Funeral Home of Matador.

Death notices
Jo Paul Archer, 36, of Lubbock died Wednesday, June 8, 2005. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Seymour. Local arrangements are by Sanders Funeral Home.

Bettye Wattenbarger
Bettye Wattenbarger, 77, of Mansfield and longtime resident of Lubbock died Tuesday, June 7, 2005, in Mansfield.

Roxie Jean Loudder
Services for Roxie Jean Loudder, 67, of Dimmitt will be 2 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2005, at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Jason Stone, youth minister of First Baptist Church, officiating and the Rev. Vergil Ichtertz, pastor of First United Methodist Church, assisting. Burial will follow at Westlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Foskey-Lilley-McGill Funeral Home in Dimmitt.

Death notices
James Donald Bartlett, 63, of Meadow died Tuesday, June 7, 2005, in Meadow. Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Meadow First Baptist Church. Brownfield Funeral Home in Brownfield.

James D. Bartlett
Services for James D. Bartlett, 63, of Meadow will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 10, 2005, at Meadow First Baptist Church with the Rev. Butch Strickland and the Rev. Ken McClung officiating. Burial will follow at Meadow Cemetery under the direction of Brownfield Funeral Home.

Jo Paul Archer
Jo Paul Archer, 36, of Lubbock died Wednesday, June 8, 2005, after a courageous battle with Leukemia.

Jo Ann Wicker
Services for Jo Ann Wicker, 77, of Seagraves will be 10 a.m. today, June 8, 2005, at Brownfield Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Minister James Kinnaird officiating. Burial will follow at the Seagraves Cemetery. The funeral will be under the direction of Brownfield Funeral Home.

John "Chato" Manuel Hernandez
Services for John "Chato" Manuel Hernandez, 51, of Lubbock will be 10 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2005, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Deacon Alfredo Jaime officiating and J o e M o r i n assisting. Burial will be at Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park under the direction of Guajardo Funeral Chapels.

Red-hot Phillies shut down Rangers for 2-0 victory
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Pat Burrell's two-run single broke a scoreless tie and four pitchers combined on a five-hitter, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 2-0 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night.

Gordon, Robinson lead Howser Trophy finalists
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Nebraska third baseman Alex Gordon - the No. 2 overall pick by Kansas City in Major League Baseball's amateur draft - was among four finalists selected Wednesday for the Dick Howser Trophy.

Barton leads AJGA tourney
Scott Barton of Dallas made six birdies Tuesday en route to a 4-under-par 68 and sole possession of first place after the first round of the American Junior Golf Association Randy Smith Classic presented by Myco Industries, Inc., at the Rawls Course.

Opposing coaches consider selves friends
SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Rasheed Wallace gained a full realization of the depth of the friendship between coaches Larry Brown and Gregg Popovich when the Detroit Pistons were trying to come up with a strategy to stop a specific opponent.

Polanco, Abreu lift Phillies over Rangers
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Placido Polanco drove in three runs, Bobby Abreu homered and Jon Lieber pitched effectively into the seventh inning to win his third straight start in the Philadelphia Phillies' 8-5 victory over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.

Lubbock's Wimberly makes move for shot at AJGA tournament
Cody Wimberly from Lubbock put himself in contention, shooting 3-under-par 69 Wednesday at the Rawls Course to be two shots out of the lead going into the final round of the American Junior Golf Association's Randy Smith Classic presented by Myco Industries, Inc.

Police disarm woman with handgun
HOBBS, N.M. - Police saved a woman from potentially shooting herself at a public fishing pond on Tuesday by shooting the woman with a bean bag, causing her to drop the handgun she carried, police said.

Butler appeals conviction tied to plague scare
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A world-renowned plague researcher convicted in a case that sprang out of a bioterrorism scare involving missing plague vials argued in appellate court Wednesday that prosecutors committed a number of errors in their case against him.

Perry holds talks on school funding
AUSTIN (AP) - Republican Gov. Rick Perry met with Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick this week in a continuing effort to reach an agreement on a new education funding plan and school property tax relief.

Perry signs reform measure for protective services
ARLINGTON (AP) - In a room adorned with a large toy Barney and dozens of other stuffed animals, Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday signed into law a plan to revamp the state's protective services for children and adults.

Dozens report illness after church event
AUSTIN (AP) - Health experts are investigating an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness that affected at least 70 of the 1,500 people at the United Methodist Church's Southwest Texas Conference, held June 1-4 in Corpus Christi.

Pirates advance to state finals in baseball
The Cooper Pirates placed its playoff hopes on the strong arm of senior pitcher Jakob Cunningham in today's semi-final match-up against the Yoakum Bulldogs. Cunningham, who entered the game sporting a 13-1 record, allowed just three hits as the Pirates blanked the Bulldogs 1-0.

LISD board of trustees accept donation for new scoreboard
High school football fans attending games at Lowrey Field next season will be able to keep track of the score no matter which end of the field they watch.
Crews will install a new electronic scoreboard on the north end of the stadium this summer, which will work in tandem with the current scoreboard on the stadium's south end.

New Deal loses in semi-finals
The New Deal Lions saw their fairy-tale season come to an end at the hands of the Thorndale Bulldogs. The top-ranked Bulldogs won 20-0 in five innings in the semi-finals of Class 1A.

Pitching coach Kinzy hopes to go out with bang at Monterey
The Monterey baseball team isn't quite ready to part ways with Johnny Kinzy.
Before the 2005 season even started, Monterey's pitching coach had already accepted the head-coaching job at Denton Guyer — a new Class 4A school that will begin playing varsity baseball next spring. Kinzy agreed to stay on for his fourth year with the Plainsmen, but he probably didn't expect it to last as long as it has.

Volcano of Fire hurls lava, forces evacuations
SAN MARCOS, Mexico (AP) - The Volcano of Fire has rumbled back to life with its strongest eruptions in 20 years, spewing lava and ash clouds that had some residents who remained in their homes Wednesday casting nervous glances at the peak.